Reoptimization for Great Power Competition

“I’m extremely proud of the Space Force and all the good it has accomplished. But, as good as we are, as much as we’ve done, as far as we’ve come, it’s not enough. We are not yet optimized for Great Power Competition.”

~ Chief of Space Operations
Gen. Chance Saltzman

The establishment of the U.S. Space Force was a direct response to threats arising from Great Power Competition in the space domain. Nevertheless, our legacy roots leave us sub-optimized for the security environment confronting us today, and we must finish fine-tuning the service to continue meeting its National Defense Strategy responsibilities

In early 2024, the Department of the Air Force unveiled sweeping plans for reshaping, refocusing, and reoptimizing the Air Force and Space Force to ensure continued supremacy in their respective domains while better posturing the services to deter and, if necessary, prevail in an era of Great Power Competition. Through a series of 24 DAF-wide key decisions, four core areas which demand the Department’s attention will be addressed: Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power and Develop Capabilities.

The space domain is no longer benign; it has rapidly become congested and contested.

We must enhance our capabilities, develop Guardians for modern warfare, prepare for the high intensity fight, and strengthen our power projection to thrive and win in this new era of Great Power Competition.

Video by Sgt. Paul Peterson

Navy’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle explores coastal waters

II Marine Expeditionary Force

July 17, 2014 | 1:28

Navy personnel from the Naval Oceanography Special Warfare Command tested their Iver autonomous underwater vehicle during joint training with Marines from 2nd Intelligence Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The Navy tested its AUV in conjunction with the Marines as a way of exploring cross branch survey techniques and strategies. The small torpedo-like vehicle took detailed imagery of underwater terrain. The AUV has the ability to follow pre-programmed instructions that allow it to function independent of remote control. It can also serves as the platform for an array of sensory equipment that can help map out rivers, beaches and other underwater environments.